Frequently Asked Questions

What happened with the old Sandy High School?

The old Sandy High School on Bluff Road was renovated to become Cedar Ridge Middle School. Rumors have circled that the old school was so unsafe that it would have to be torn down. This is far from the truth and stems from confusion with auxiliary structures around the school.

Some auxiliary structures had some serious deficiencies that were too costly to renovate. These buildings were removed, and the area was reinforced and repurposed for a safer traffic flow.

2014 Cedar Ridge Satellite Imagery © Google

2024 Cedar Ridge Satellite Imagery © Google

Does the state pay for capital school projects?

K-12 education funding in Oregon is complex, and funding for capital projects, including new construction and renovations, remains primarily the responsibility of local school districts and is usually financed through bond sales. Less than one percent of the district’s total year-to-year budget (often called the State Schools Fund allotment or SSF) is available for facility projects.

How much will the bond cost and how will it be funded?

On August 11th 2025 the Oregon Trail School Board approved a bond package for the November 2025 ballot, if the measure passes it would increase property taxes by $1.12 per $1,000 of assessed property value (not real market value) annually. This would generate an estimated $172.2 million over 31 years. Since this is based on county assessed value, this may differ from the actual purchased price of a home.

For example, a single-family home purchased for $400,000 in 2024 may have an assessed value in 2025 of $288,000 which would equate to an increase of about $322.56 per year or $26.88 per month, less than a dollar a day.

When the bond is approved by voters, how can we be sure funds are spent wisely?

Oregon Trail School district has been good stewards of the funds appropriated in 2008. They have prioritized responsibility and maintained a balanced budget, even adding staff and programming while other districts throughout the state and the region experience cuts. This financially sound approach has helped to drive improved student achievement and increased graduation rates. A locally appointed Citizens Bond Oversight Committee would monitor progress of bond projects as well as ensuring funds are expended responsibly.

When were the schools built?

Most schools were built in the mid-20th century. Sandy Grade School and Cedar Ridge Middle School were built before WWII.

Boring Middle School, Firwood Elementary School, Naas Elementary School, and Welches Middle School were built before Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon.

When Kelso Elementary School and Welches Elementary School were built, the Apple II was still on sale.

Fast forward 32 years until the modern day Sandy High School was built.